Miles Davis

ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints

DateApril 1961

Place DepictedSan Francisco, California, United States, North America

MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper

Dimensions16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)

Object number87.6.9

DescriptionThis photograph of legendary trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Miles Davis was taken by photographer Leigh A. Wiener in 1961 during a performance of the Miles Davis Quintet at The Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco, and it was later used as an advertisement and album cover for the performance's recorded release.

Wiener recalls the night the photo was taken:
"'No lights, mister. No lights! Hear that? I don't like light in my eyes when I work." Without waiting for a response, Miles Davis turned, walked between some curtains, and disappeared somewhere backstage leaving me standing alone in the almost deserted Black Hawk nightclub. It was three hours before showtime.

Now the house was packed and some were still clapping as Davis finished his first set, left the stage, and headed for the bar. His eyes caught mine and he nodded with his head for me to join him.

'You take pictures of me?' 'Yes,' I answered. 'Without lights?' 'Did you see any?' I asked back. Davis took a sip of his drink. Without looking at me he said softly, 'Will they turn out?' 'When you blow that thing,' I answered, 'does noise come out?' Davis turned and looked right at me. He almost smiled. 'What are ya drinking?' he asked."

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